ACTS Resale Store in Aiken: Affordable Secondhand Shopping with a Community Purpose

What ACTS Resale Store offers and why it matters

ACTS Resale Store in Aiken is a thrift shop run by ACTS (Aiken Community Thrift Store), a nonprofit that funds local social services through secondhand sales. The store carries clothing, furniture, household goods, and books at prices well below retail. Every dollar spent there supports ACTS programs that serve Aiken residents—food assistance, emergency aid, job training, and other community needs.

Unlike chain thrift stores, ACTS is locally rooted. The organization has operated in Aiken since the 1970s and reinvests revenue directly into the community. Shopping there means your money stays local and funds real programs you can see working in your neighborhood.

Key Takeaways

• ACTS Resale Store carries clothing, furniture, household goods, and books at secondhand prices, with all proceeds funding local nonprofit programs.
• The store is located in Aiken and operated by ACTS, a nonprofit organization that has served the community since the 1970s.
• Inventory changes frequently because items are donated, so returning regularly increases your chances of finding what you need.
• ACTS also accepts donations of gently used items, which can be dropped off at the store during business hours.

What you'll find in the store

The store's inventory rotates constantly because it relies on donations. On any given visit you might find vintage furniture, name-brand clothing, kitchen equipment, books, and seasonal items. Prices are typically 70 to 90 percent below what you'd pay new, though exact pricing depends on the item's condition and demand.

Furniture tends to be the biggest draw—couches, dining tables, dressers, and shelving units appear regularly. Clothing runs the full range: everyday wear, professional pieces, and sometimes designer labels. The book section is popular with readers looking for fiction and nonfiction at a fraction of bookstore cost. Seasonal items like holiday decorations, outdoor furniture, and winter clothing rotate through depending on the time of year.

Because donations drive inventory, the best strategy is to visit multiple times. Items sell quickly, and new stock arrives throughout the week. If you're hunting for something specific—a particular size, style, or piece of furniture—staff can sometimes hold items if you call ahead.

Location, hours, and how to donate

ACTS Resale Store is located in Aiken. Hours and the exact address are best confirmed by calling ahead or checking the ACTS website, as nonprofit hours sometimes shift with volunteer availability. The store is typically open weekdays and Saturdays, with reduced Sunday hours or closure.

If you have gently used items to donate—clothing, furniture, books, kitchenware—you can drop them off during business hours. ACTS accepts most household goods in good condition. Items that are stained, broken, or unsafe cannot be resold and will not be accepted. Donations are tax-deductible; ask staff for a receipt if you need one for your records.

Why shopping here supports your community

ACTS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, meaning it operates on donations and sales revenue with no government funding. The thrift store is the organization's primary income source. Money from every purchase funds food pantry operations, emergency financial aid for families in crisis, job training programs, and other direct services to Aiken residents.

The organization also employs people from the community, including individuals working toward job readiness. Shopping at ACTS Resale Store means you're supporting employment and skill-building alongside the thrift shopping experience itself. This model has kept the nonprofit sustainable in Aiken for decades.

Tips for getting the best deals

Visit on weekday mornings if possible—new donations are often processed and priced overnight, so Tuesday through Thursday mornings tend to have the freshest selection. Weekends draw larger crowds, and popular items sell faster.

Check furniture carefully for damage, stains, or odors before purchasing. While ACTS inspects items, secondhand furniture can sometimes have issues that aren't obvious at first glance. Ask staff if you have questions about an item's condition or history.

Sign up for email updates or follow ACTS on social media if they offer them—some nonprofits announce special sales, new furniture arrivals, or donation drives. Even without that, regular visits reward you with better finds than occasional shopping. Building a relationship with staff can also help them alert you when specific items arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return something I bought if I change my mind?

Return policies vary by nonprofit thrift store. Contact ACTS directly to learn their specific policy on returns and exchanges. Most thrift stores have limited return windows—typically 7 to 14 days with a receipt—because items are sold as-is.

Do you take donations of clothing with stains or small tears?

ACTS generally accepts clothing in wearable condition. Minor wear is fine, but stains, holes, and damage that would prevent someone from wearing the item are usually not accepted. When in doubt, ask staff—they can tell you whether a specific piece meets their standards.

Is there a senior or student discount?

Many nonprofits offer discounts for seniors or other groups, but this varies. Call ACTS to ask whether they have discount days, senior pricing, or special promotions. Some thrift stores offer discounts on specific days of the week.

Can I buy furniture in bulk or arrange delivery?

Bulk purchases and delivery depend on ACTS' current capacity and staffing. Call ahead to discuss what you're looking for—staff can tell you whether bulk pricing is available and whether they can help with loading or delivery arrangements.

How do I know if ACTS is currently accepting donations?

Most thrift stores accept donations year-round, but during busy seasons or when storage is full, they may temporarily pause. Call or visit the store to confirm they're accepting donations before you bring items in.